What are the circumstances in which antibiotics should be considered for the treatment of an acute respiratory tract infection? Review the 4 high-value care advice statements and the information in Table 1. What are the benefits of antibiotic use for acute bronchitis, pharyngitis, acute rhinosinusitis, and the common cold? What are the harms?

When is testing for group A streptococcus appropriate for a patient with acute pharyngitis? What circumstances should prompt consideration of a more severe infection (e.g., an abscess, epiglottitis, or Lemeirre syndrome)?

We have all heard many times that antibiotics are inappropriate for most patients with acute respiratory tract infections. Why do antibiotics continue to be prescribed inappropriately so often?

Role-play the evaluation of patients with acute respiratory tract infections whose history and risk factors indicate that antibiotics are not indicated. How do you respond when the patient requests an antibiotic (“But a Z-pack always makes me feel better” or “If I don't get an antibiotic, this always goes down to my chest”)?